US Soccer has completed choosing the clubs that will participate in the first year of the newly created Development Academy. “The Development Academy has been implemented to shift the focus of the young elite player toward a ‘meaningful training and competition’ model, with the U.S. Soccer Federation taking the initiative to extend its National Team program into the daily environment of the elite player,” said U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati. “The response thus far has been unprecedented for a youth initiative.” There are sixty four clubs that will compete against each other in an eight month season. The group of sixty four was selected from over one hundred and fifty clubs, That applied in less than two months. The competition component of the Academy will feature 63 clubs, representing 24 states and the District of Columbia, plus the U.S. National Team from U.S. Soccer’s Residency Program, playing at the Under-15/16 and Under-17/18 age levels.
Here is the link to the USSF page that explains the rationale behind this shift in the focus of elite youth soccer.
Atlantic Conference
* Bridge FA
* CASL
* Greensboro Youth SC
* North Meck SC
* Richmond Kickers SC
* Richmond Strikers
* South Charlotte SA
* VA Rush SC
Northeast Conference
* Albertson SC
* B/W Gottschee
* FC Greater Boston Bolts
* FC Westchester
* Met Oval
* Oakwood SC
* Seacoast United
* South Central Premier
Mid-Atlantic Conference
* Baltimore Bays Soccer Club
* DC United
* FC DELCO
* Match Fit Academy FC
* New York Red Bulls
* PA Classics
* PDA
* Potomac Soccer
Southeast Conference
* AFC Lightning Soccer Club
* Atlanta Fire United SA
* Birmingham United SA
* Clearwater Chargers SC
* Concorde Fire SC
* IMG Soccer Academy
* Kendall Soccer Coalition
* Schulz Academy
Great Lakes Conference
* Carmel United Soccer Club
* CASA
* Columbus Crew
* Empire United SA
* Internationals SC
* Michigan Wolves
* Ohio Elite SA
* Vardar
Mid-America Conference
* Chicago Fire Soccer PDA
* Chicago Magic Soccer Club
* FC Milwaukee
* Metro United Soccer Club
* Scott Gallagher
* Sockers FC Chicago
* Solar SC
* U.S. National Team (U-15/16 & U-17)
SoCal Conference
* Arsenal SC
* Chivas USA
* Irvine Strikers
* L.A. Galaxy
* Nomads SC
* Pateadores SC
* Real So Cal
* San Diego Surf
West Conference
* Colorado Rapids
* Colorado Rush
* Crossfire Premier SC
* De Anza Force SC
* FC Portland SA
* Mustang FC
* Real Colorado
* Washington Premier FC
Player Development Academy Information
The Development Academy kicks off in September with a two-day orientation in Chicago. The first matches of the inaugural season will then begin during the first week of October. Teams will compete in three different types of game weekends – individual conference games, travel partner weekends and showcase weekends to provide them with the optimum balance of playing rhythm, economy of travel and exposure to scouts.
In addition to improving the daily environment for players, the Academy will also provide a better development platform for coaches and referees. Each club will receive two invitations to attend the U.S. Soccer Development Academy Best Practices seminars, providing coaches with the opportunity to keep updated on the latest styles and methods of coaching being used at the national level. U.S. Soccer will assign referees to the Academy matches, providing them with more opportunities to develop.
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